My Finn grew up in a prep school, a boarding school at which I taught English. Even as a youngster, he was such a good golden he could come to English classes every day, and learned the bell system. When kids in the dorm were homesick or worried about grades/ relationships etc, they could bury their faces in his coat, and Finn would curl right up. My golden Raleigh was so good when I coached soccer, he knew to run the tape up and down the field but would not step over . He traveled on the varsity girls tennis bus to away matches. My golden Joplin, best of all dogs, would run with me and the varsity ski team through West Hartford CT with no leash and was allowed at the ski resort where we trained. He also always came to English class and summer camp. I have never had a golden who needed to be leashed on campus, or on hikes to stay right with me.

Hank is my second Golden, they have become my breed of choice. Neither of mine have been a challenge other than the typical puppy stuff. They have never been destructive (other than their own toys) but I can tell you stories about and show you pics of the destruction caused by my BIL's Lab, my brother's Maltipoo, DD's SIL's Boxer and my neighbour's Goldendoodle!

I 've had several dogs but Jess is by far "la creme de la creme". He was a very easy puppy, and at almost three, in between walks he's napping or following me around. He's also my Sous Chef, my trail guide , my constant companion. He rarely barks, but does like to get the day started a tad early. Good thing we're both morning creatures.

I have a great dog.
I adopted him when he was nine months old. He'd spent those nine months being abused, starved, and living outside in near neglect (besides being abused). He'd never been in a home before and wasn't house-trained, leash-trained, crate-trained, and had food issues (from being starved).

He was in his foster home for only three days before I adopted him. He was house-trained in half a day. He learned his new name in a day. He learned 'rules of the house' within a week.
Loose-leash walking was hard for him, but now he walks so nicely my mom (who only outweighs him by 20 lbs) is comfortable walking him. He doesn't pull or lunge at squirrels or bunnies or cats anymore. He rarely barks. He sleeps in until I decide to wake up (and often he only wakes up to eat and pee, then goes back to bed). He's uber low-maintenance. His food issues are non-existent. Even with raw food, he gives up his meals to anyone who asks.

He loves children and people. I never have to worry about him with little kids. He actually knew when my friend was pregnant before she did. She came over and he wouldn't stop resting his head on her belly. 2 days later, she found out she was pregnant. Now when she and her baby come over, Ranger follows the baby around and rests his head on the baby's lap. He barks when he thinks the baby is "in danger".

He knows an insane amount of tricks. His latest one is getting the paper every day. He can find his leash and bring it to me. He brings me my shoes. He even brings me my purse.

Best of all, he's the best foster brother to the puppies we take in every summer. He's patient, kind, and gives the shy ones confidence. He plays rough with his 90 lb best buddy, but plays soooo gently with the foster puppies.

Thanks, for all the responses!! I am not going to sell my pup.LOL Just worried. I did purchase from a good breeder and his parents came from champion show lines. They both were super laid back and good with kids. He really is not a bad puppy. I am adjusting to the new lifestyle. I know people go on this forum to talk about issues but, good grief makes you wonder sometime. I spend a ton of time with my pup so, he grows to be a well adjusted adult. He is the smartest dog I ever owned. I would not give this a second thought but I have grandkids and makes you more aware. I NEVER will leave them unsupervised at any time too many people trust dogs 100% but, a the end of the day they are animals. I am really glad to hear some wonderful feed back. I purchased him also with the thought in mind for doing Obedience trial,agility....I showed horses for 33 years so, I have put the time and dedication into my animals. I provide the best posible care I can give. He really is a delite and everydays gets easier. Glad to hear other people felt the same way. Thank you, everyone and have a Merry Christmas!!!

Truly the first year is the hardest behavior wise. Our first dog chewed on everything if you weren't staring right at him - including a windowsill while we were eating dinner in the same room!! But the next 10 1/2 years of his life he was amazing!!
You have to correct them when they are doing something wrong - every time! Charlie is 6 months old now and while I won't leave him uncrated when we aren't home or sleeping, he is a very good dog. He's now to the point that shoes and slippers can be left out - he likes to put his nose in them but never chews them. He has furniture he's allowed on and furniture he's not and he knows the difference. He also stays out of our laundry room where the cat food/litter box are. Outside he'll eat anything he can get his mouth on which is a problem, but he's learning.
Puppies just have a lot of growing up to do and go through so many stages so quickly. Don't be discouraged!

Proud mommy to Charlie (born 6/6/12)
and my Bristol (10/15/00 - 3/21/12)- gone but never forgotten.

I have a picture somewhere of Max at about 3 months old with his head in my husband's slipper. I have a knitting project in every room of the house, he never touched the yarn but once, I told him no and that was that. He chewed on the kitchen chair leg once, Bitter Apple took care of that. Not every puppy is difficult.

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